Understanding Credit-Granting Scores

The final credit-granting score, or cut score, for a CLEP exam is the product of collaboration between the test development committee and the standard-setting panel for that exam.

The test development committee reviews the results from the standard-setting study, which includes the standard-setting panel's definitions of the A, B, C, and D student and the ratings of the judges at the B and C levels. The committee may make adjustments based on any of the following factors:

The standard error of judgment

The standard error of measurement

The historical performance of candidates

The final cut score (the number of correct questions needed to earn an equivalent of C) is determined following any adjustments. This cut score is equated to a scaled score of 50. The committee approves the final credit-granting score, and that score is implemented in the operational exam.